Press Releases

Columbia, S.C. - July 14, 2026 - Central Carolina Community Foundation has surpassed $1 million invested through its General Operating Support grant program, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations across the Midlands. Since launching the program in 2021, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.02 million in flexible funding that nonprofits can use where it is needed most, from retaining staff and improving technology to planning for the future and expanding their impact.

The milestone includes this year's $300,000 investment in 10 nonprofit organizations creating opportunities, enriching lives, and strengthening communities across the Midlands. Each organization will receive $30,000 over three years, along with opportunities to learn alongside fellow nonprofit leaders.

“Every day, these organizations are helping families find housing, improving health, expanding educational opportunities, protecting the environment, and enriching our communities through the arts,” said Trimease Carter, Director of Community Impact at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “When nonprofit leaders have the flexibility to invest in their organizations, they're better equipped to grow, adapt, and focus on the people and communities they serve.”

For organizations like Orangeburg County Community of Character, the investment provides much needed flexibility.

“This support allows us to invest not only in the programs we offer today, but in the long-term future of our organization,” said Candace Berry-Vaughn, Executive Director. “By strengthening our organization, we can continue helping young people develop the character, leadership, and sense of responsibility that will shape Orangeburg County for generations to come.”

This year's General Operating Support grant recipients are:

• ColaJazz Foundation (Richland County)

• Dyslexia Resource Center (Richland County)

• Family Promise of the Midlands (Richland County)

• Good Samaritan Clinic (Richland County)

• Habitat for Humanity of Kershaw County (Kershaw County)

• Justice 360 (Richland County)

• Keep the Midlands Beautiful (Lexington County)

• Orangeburg County Community of Character (Orangeburg County)

• Power In Changing (Richland County)

• Shiloh Project-LIFT, Inc. (Sumter County)

These grants are made possible through the Community Impact Endowment, built over more than 40 years through the generosity of individuals, families, and businesses who have chosen to invest in the future of our region. From everyday gifts to transformative legacy donations, generations of donors have created a lasting resource that enables the Foundation to invest where it is needed most, strengthen nonprofit organizations, and respond to the evolving opportunities and challenges facing our communities.

To learn more about how to apply for grants or to make a gift to the Community Impact Endowment, visit YourFoundation.org.

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Central Carolina Community Foundation seeks to match new $300,000 disaster recovery grant

Columbia, S.C. - June 4, 2026 - As hurricane season begins, Central Carolina Community Foundation is reopening the One SC Fund: Hurricane Helene for donations during the month of June to support the long-term recovery needs that continue across South Carolina nearly two years after the storm.

The Foundation recently secured a $300,000 grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and is now seeking matching support from donors, corporations, and philanthropic partners. Funds raised in June will help support a new round of recovery grants to nonprofit organizations this summer.

“Hurricane recovery is not over,” said Erin Johnson, Vice President of Community Investment at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “While immediate relief efforts helped families survive the crisis, thousands of South Carolinians are still working to rebuild their homes and lives. Long-term recovery takes years, and the need remains urgent.”

Hurricane Helene became the largest natural disaster on record in South Carolina when it made landfall on September 26, 2024, with more than 450,000 residents applying for FEMA Individual Assistance. Since launching on October 1, 2024, Central Carolina Community Foundation has awarded more than $6 million through 92 grants to 77 nonprofit organizations statewide, thanks to the generosity of donors to the One SC Fund: Hurricane Helene activation. So far, those grants have provided more than 1.9 million services and helped rebuild or repair 101 homes for impacted South Carolina residents.

The Foundation continues this work in partnership with the South Carolina Office of Resilience, nonprofit organizations, statewide recovery partners, and the Office of Governor Henry McMaster. As South Carolina enters another hurricane season, the One SC Fund also serves as a reminder that disaster recovery is long-term work requiring ongoing partnership, preparedness, and investment.

Donations to the One SC Fund during the month of June will support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts for South Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. To donate or learn more, visit OneSCFund.org.

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Columbia, S.C. - May 14, 2026 - Central Carolina Community Foundation has launched a region-wide survey to hear directly from Midlands residents about the issues, opportunities, and challenges shaping their communities. The survey is part of a larger effort to help guide future community funding and initiatives aimed at improving the region.

This work is built on the Foundation’s 2025 Midlands Nonprofit Survey, which captured perspectives from nonprofit leaders across the region and highlighted rising demand for services, funding challenges, and key community needs such as housing, mental health, and food access. The resident survey expands this effort by bringing in the voices of the people and families experiencing these issues firsthand.

Residents in Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter counties are invited to participate. The survey takes approximately 7 minutes to complete and will remain open through June 3, 2026. Residents may choose to enter a drawing for one of 100 $25 Amazon gift cards. Participants may also opt in to future focus groups to help deepen the findings.

Residents can take the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MidlandsResidents2026

The survey is available in Spanish at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MidlandsResidents2026_Espanol

“This is an opportunity to hear directly from the people who call the Midlands home,” said Georgia Mjartan, President & CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We know that strong communities are built by listening first. The insights we gather will help guide how we invest resources, support nonprofits, and work alongside partners to embrace opportunities and address challenges.”

The survey explores multiple dimensions of community life and provides opportunities for residents to share open-ended feedback. Findings from the resident survey will be combined with additional research, including nonprofit input, focus groups, and publicly available data, to provide a comprehensive view of the region. Through this work, Central Carolina Community Foundation will serve as a resource for the region by producing regional and county-level reports that highlight key data, trends, and community perspectives gathered through the assessment.

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Columbia, S.C. - May 6, 2026 - Midlands Gives Day 2026 raised more money for local nonprofits than ever before. 11,108 donors contributed $4,954,690 to 523 organizations, bringing the total amount raised since 2014 to more than $37.3 million.

“This incredible outpouring of generosity shows what can happen when our community unites behind a shared commitment to giving,” said Georgia Mjartan, President & CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “During this time when nonprofits needed support more than ever, our community came through. If ever there was a year for record-breaking giving, it was this year! We are so grateful for the thousands of people who participated in Midlands Gives Day.”

A Platform for Giving, Powered by Central Carolina Community Foundation

Central Carolina Community Foundation created Midlands Gives as a year-round giving platform and nonprofit directory for the Midlands – designed to help organizations of all sizes tell their story, raise funds, and connect with donors and one another.

In addition to hosting the platform, the Foundation leads the work behind Midlands Gives Day, securing support from In Good Company Partners, engaging donors who have established charitable funds at the Foundation to provide matching gifts, and stewarding regional affiliate funds that generate local incentives. This coordinated, collaborative approach ensures that Midlands Gives expands visibility, resources, and connections for nonprofits across the region.

$110,000+ in Incentives Fueled Giving

This year, more than $110,000 in prize incentives were made possible through Central Carolina Community Foundation and its In Good Company Partners, helping to encourage participation and increase support for local nonprofits.

This year’s In Good Company Partners include Aflac, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Dominion Energy, Southeastern Freight Lines, Nelson Mullins, Palmetto Citizens, Truist, First Citizens Bank, M.B. Kahn, Schmoyer & Company, Ameris Bank, Columbia Fireflies, First Reliance Bank, Grace Outdoor Advertising, guHRoo, J.P. Morgan Chase, Ogletree Deakins, Optus Bank, Purpose Equity, Synovus Bank, The Post & Courier Columbia, and Elliott Davis.

To view the full list of prize winners, visit MidlandsGives.org/p/2026-Prize-Winners.

Local Funds, Local Impact

Central Carolina Community Foundation’s regional affiliate funds – Greater Chapin Community Foundation, Kershaw Community Foundation, Orangeburg and Calhoun Community Foundation, and Sumter Community Foundation – collectively provided $36,872 in matching funds this year. Built over time through the generosity of community members, these place-based endowments ensure that local dollars support local nonprofits while strengthening philanthropy within each community. As the backbone organization, Central Carolina Community Foundation works alongside local leaders to expand resources and increase impact across the Midlands, reflected in the results from each affiliate below:

• Greater Chapin Community Foundation: $7,630 to 19 nonprofits

• Kershaw Community Foundation: $6,990 to 18 nonprofits

• Orangeburg and Calhoun Community Foundation: $14,935 to 33 nonprofits

• Sumter Community Foundation: $7,317 to 19 nonprofits

$50,000+ Invested in the Arts

This year, Central Carolina Community Foundation directed more than $50,000 in matching funds to support 46 arts organizations during Midlands Gives Day. These funds were made possible through the Gerald L. and Judith M. Davis Foundation to Support the Arts and the Central Carolina Community Foundation Field of Interest for the Arts, both endowed funds created and sustained by donors committed to strengthening the arts in our region.

Together, these matches generated $43,440 in support for participating arts organizations through 447 gifts, expanding resources for creative programs across the Midlands.

More Than a Day

Midlands Gives is more than a single day – it is a year-round resource that helps connect people to causes and nonprofits to the support they need to thrive. Through Midlands Gives, Central Carolina Community Foundation continues to build relationships, increase visibility for nonprofits, and grow a culture of generosity across the Midlands. To learn more about Midlands Gives or find out how you can get involved, visit www.MidlandsGives.org.

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Columbia, S.C. - May 4, 2026 - The Midlands’ largest day of giving is back! On May 5th, communities across the region will come together for Midlands Gives Day, a high-energy, 18-hour online giving event connecting donors with more than 550 nonprofits serving 11 counties.

Since 2014, Midlands Gives has raised more than $32.4 million to support local nonprofits and the vital work they do every day. From improving quality of life across the region to advancing education, health, animal welfare, the arts, environmental efforts and more, every gift, no matter the size, helps create lasting, positive change across Central Carolina Community Foundation’s 11-county footprint.

“Midlands Gives is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together,” said Georgia Mjartan, President & CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “Every gift helps support the nonprofits that care for our neighbors, strengthen our communities, and create opportunities across the Midlands. Through Midlands Gives, everyone can be part of something bigger.”

Maximizing the Impact

Midlands Gives is strengthened by the support of our In Good Company partners, who help advance the core mission of Central Carolina Community Foundation and incentivize community giving through prizes to participating nonprofits. Their generosity provides more than $110,000 in prizes this year, encouraging giving and increasing support for local nonprofits. These incentives create momentum, engage donors, and expand the reach of philanthropy across the Midlands.

Participating In Good Company partners include Aflac, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Dominion Energy, Southeastern Freight Lines, Nelson Mullins, Palmetto Citizens, Truist, First Citizens Bank, M.B. Kahn, Schmoyer & Company, Ameris Bank, Columbia Fireflies, First Reliance Bank, Grace Outdoor Advertising, guHRoo, J.P. Morgan Chase, Ogletree Deakins, Optus Bank, Purpose Equity, Synovus Bank, The Post & Courier Columbia, and Elliott Davis.

Celebrate Midlands Gives Day at the Block Party!

We’ll keep the excitement going in person at the Midlands Gives Block Party on May 5th! Join us at Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for games, light refreshments, and plenty of chances to win prizes for yourself and your favorite nonprofits. Back by popular demand, Chris Strub, The Giving Guy, will lead the day’s events including the Elected Officials Challenge where representatives from our 11 counties will participate in games that earn dollars for their selected nonprofits of choice. This free, family-friendly event is open to the community and is the perfect way to celebrate the power of giving in our community.

Follow the Action All Day Long

Watch the excitement unfold in real time! Track donations, rankings, and prize winners throughout the day using the leaderboard and prize tracker at MidlandsGives.org, the Foundation’s year-round giving platform.

Ways to Join the Midlands’ Movement of Generosity

• Give: Discover and support 550+ nonprofits at MidlandsGives.org with a gift of $10 or more.

• Create a Fundraising Page: Start your own fundraising page and inspire others to give alongside you.

• Join the Block Party: Be part of the fun at Segra Park during the Block Party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate generosity in the Midlands with games, food, prizes for donors, and chances to earn extra dollars for participating nonprofits.

Midlands Gives is more than a day - it’s a powerful celebration of community, generosity, and impact. Together, we can uplift local nonprofits and build a brighter future for the Midlands.

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Columbia, S.C. - April 1, 2026 - The spirit of community and generosity is building across the Midlands! Early giving for Midlands Gives Day, an impactful initiative of Central Carolina Community Foundation, officially opens today, April 1, and continues through the highly anticipated giving event on May 5. This early giving period creates a meaningful opportunity for local nonprofits, giving donors the chance to make an impact ahead of the big day. Each early gift also helps nonprofits qualify for sponsorship prizes, maximizing every dollar and expanding support throughout our community.

Midlands Gives Day is a dynamic, community-driven giving event that unites over 500 local nonprofit organizations serving 11 counties in the Midlands region: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter. Since its inception in 2014, Midlands Gives Day has raised over $32.4 million for local nonprofits. Donors can visit MidlandsGives.org to explore causes they care about, discover new causes close to their hearts, and contribute directly to organizations making a difference.

This year, over $110,000 in prize incentives are being provided by Central Carolina Community Foundation and our generous In Good Company Partners. This year’s In Good Company Partners include Aflac, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Dominion Energy, Southeastern Freight Lines, Grace Outdoor Advertising, Nelson Mullins, Palmetto Citizens, Truist, First Citizens Bank, M.B. Kahn, Schmoyer & Company, Ameris Bank, Columbia Fireflies, First Reliance Bank, guHRoo, J.P. Morgan Chase, Ogletree Deakins, Optus Bank, Post & Courier Columbia, Purpose Equity, Synovus, and Elliott Davis. These contributions amplify donations, making every gift go even further. To see a complete list of prizes available, visit MidlandsGives.org/p/prizes.

In 2025, over 10,000 donors in the Midlands demonstrated extraordinary generosity supporting the vital work of local nonprofits. This year, Central Carolina Community Foundation invites the community to build on that momentum by giving early and often to make an even greater impact.

“Midlands Gives is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community,” said Georgia Mjartan, President & CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “Early giving allows nonprofits to build momentum, unlock additional funding opportunities, and continue the critical work they do every day. Every gift helps strengthen our Midlands and the people who call it home.”

The excitement continues to grow as we build momentum toward Midlands Gives Day! The celebration of giving reaches its peak on May 5 with a special day dedicated to supporting local nonprofits. From 6 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., the community is invited to come together in support of the organizations that make the Midlands stronger by giving online at MidlandsGives.org.

As part of its commitment to bringing the community together, the Foundation will host a Midlands Gives Day Block Party at Segra Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 5 – rain or shine! Attendees can enjoy a family-friendly, fun-filled event with games, complimentary hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. Plus, donors who show they’ve given during Midlands Gives Day will be entered to win special prizes and can play games to earn dollars for their charity of choice, making every act of generosity even more rewarding!

Join the movement today and be part of something bigger! Visit MidlandsGives.org to make an early gift and mark your calendars for an unforgettable Midlands Gives Day celebration on May 5!

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Columbia, S.C. - March 25, 2026 - Central Carolina Community Foundation announces the award of $358,000 in Connected Communities grants to 12 Midlands nonprofits. The grants awarded this year will leverage at least $97,600 in matching funds, expanding healthcare access, strengthening neighborhood safety, and creating new job opportunities. Connected Communities is the Foundation’s largest annual competitive grant program focused on the Midlands.

With this new round of grants, the Foundation surpasses $18 million in total annual grantmaking since the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2025, resulting in more than 2,415 grants and scholarships awarded to date. Central Carolina Community Foundation supports nonprofits through open competitive grant opportunities, like the Connected Communities grant program, as well as through donor advised funds that enable local philanthropists to give back through the Foundation.

“The Connected Communities grantees reflect our commitment to investing in projects that strengthen quality of life across the Midlands,” said Trimease Carter, Director of Community Investment at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “Each of these initiatives plays an important role in creating vibrant, welcoming, and connected communities. From expanding access to healthcare and housing to enhancing recreational spaces and the arts, we’re proud to support organizations that are making a meaningful difference and helping local communities thrive.”

The 2026 Connected Communities grantees and their projects are:

Access to Healthcare Facilities & Services

• MedNeed of SC: Providing free medical equipment for uninsured &/or low-income residents across the state

• Our Place of Hope: Bringing a community-driven, recovery-oriented program to bring hope to those living with mental illness

• United Way of the Midlands: Providing relocation of WellPartners Dental & Eye clinic, which is free for uninsured & low-income residents Safe, Proximal, High-Quality Recreational Areas

• Fairfield County School District Education Foundation: Building a park for residents in an educator-only housing community

• Palmetto Conservation Foundation: Creating trails & community spaces near the Broad River & existing Alston Trailhead

• Senior Resources, Inc.: Expanding access & engagement for senior-involved programs at The Lourie Center

Safe Places to Live & Work

• Crosswell Home for Children: Implementing CarePortal Sumter to support at-risk children & families

Quality Arts & Cultural Events

• Richland County Public Library: Providing reading challenges & community events through the “Broader Bookshelf” program

• South Carolina Philharmonic: Providing a week of free concerts & events to Cayce & West Columbia through the “Music in My Neighborhood” program

• Sumter Museum: Hosting a free series of classical music concerts at Temple Sinai Jewish History Center with Jewish traditions & Holocaust-related themes Affordable Housing

• Midlands Housing Alliance: Modernizing the elevator at Transitions Homeless Center for safe & ADA-compliant access Quality Job Opportunities

• South Carolina Community Health Worker Association: Helping under-employed men become Certified Community Health Workers through the “Men Reaching Men” initiative

“It was a privilege to serve on this year’s grant review committee,” said Susan Cotter, Central Carolina Community Foundation Board Member and Chief External Relations Officer at the USC Business Partnership Foundation. “Behind every proposal is a story — people working to improve health and stability, create welcoming spaces, expand access to the arts, and strengthen the fabric of our communities. It is inspiring to see the care and creativity so many organizations bring to serving others, and I’m proud to support efforts that help our region thrive.”

The newest round of grants is made possible through the Foundation’s Community Impact Fund and other field of interest funds. Those who feel inspired to make a difference can contribute to the Community Impact Fund and other funds at YourFoundation.org.

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Columbia, S.C. - March 16, 2026 - The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation awarded $280,512 to six organizations spearheading projects that strengthen cultural vibrancy and civic engagement across Columbia. These grants continue a decades-long commitment to Columbia from Knight Foundation, which established a donor advised fund at Central Carolina Community Foundation in 1993, and since then, has invested more than $4.4 million in Columbia. 26 cities are a part of the Knight Foundation’s investments in communities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers.

"These grants recognize that a strong community is built through connection and participation,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel J. Rickenmann. “By investing in arts, culture, and civic engagement, Knight Foundation is helping Columbia strengthen its role as a cultural anchor for the Midlands while creating more opportunities for residents across our region to engage, connect, and take pride in their community.”

The projects selected for 2026 funding reflect Knight Foundation’s intentional focus on cultural vibrancy, community connectedness, and civic engagement.

Grantees for Cultural Vibrancy Projects:

• City of Columbia: Funding supports activation, programming, and safety as the City of Columbia opens a $25M renovation project of Finlay Park. The historic downtown park is undergoing a comprehensive revitalization, preserving its history for past generations while featuring modern amenities for future generations. The goal for the park is to help reconnect Columbia's beautifully diverse community in a clean, safe, 18-acre space.

• Columbia Museum of Art: The Columbia Museum of Art is hosting two seasons of programming on Boyd Plaza (Spring 2026 and Fall 2026), continuing to activate the downtown public space. During these program seasons, they have a special focus on engaging and providing access to art and creative activities for older adults (ages 65+), a rapidly growing population in South Carolina that often faces multiple barriers to community participation.

• One Columbia for Arts and Culture: One Columbia for Arts and Culture is leading a multidisciplinary arts series, hosted at the historic Ensor Kennan House, that strengthens Columbia’s vibrancy by bringing people together through shared artistic experiences. This series blends music, visual art, culinary arts, and poetry into immersive events that foster collaboration, broaden participation, deepen civic pride, and connect the community in north Columbia.

• South Carolina Humanities: South Carolina Humanities is launching a pilot Capacity Building Program in Richland County to strengthen arts and culture organizations with plans to expand across the Midlands. The initiative provides organizational assessments, training, and collaboration to boost leadership, funding, and sustainability, fostering creativity and community connections.

Grantees for Civic Engagement Projects:

• CivicLex: Richland County Library is partnering with CivicLex in Lexington, KY, to expand CivicLex into South Carolina. CivicLex is an organization that is building a program to support the adaptation of its civic health model in communities across the country, providing tools, training, and assistance to organizations working to strengthen civic trust and participation.

• SC Women in Leadership: SC Women in Leadership is enhancing its digital platform, MatchBoard, which digitizes and streamlines the process for government boards and commissions to connect with their citizens. They are also improving their marketing and better harnessing a network effect to increase civic engagement.

“Thriving communities are built when people feel connected to one another and to the places they share,” said Lilly Weinberg, Senior Director for Community Impact at Knight Foundation. “These projects reflect Columbia’s strong civic and cultural leadership, and we’re proud to partner with the City of Columbia, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and many local organizations to create more opportunities for residents to gather, participate, and shape the future of their community.”

For more information about Knight Foundation’s work in Columbia and beyond, please visit https://knightfoundation.org/.

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Chapin, S.C. - Feb. 5, 2026 - Greater Chapin Community Foundation, an affiliate of Central Carolina Community Foundation, awarded $22,975 to 26 nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Chapin area this year. These grants support and uplift a range of community needs including health & wellness, youth development, education, arts & culture, and foster care in the Greater Chapin area.

“We are incredibly excited to see the impact that this year’s grants will have across the Chapin community,” said Joe Perritt, Board Chair. “The funding that these organizations are receiving are going to allow them to do more of the meaningful, hands-on work that they do so well, and it’s great to know these dollars are going straight to the causes that uplift the community.”

The Greater Chapin Community Foundation Board of Trustees selected the following nonprofits and projects as fiscal year 2026 grant recipients:

• American Legion Post #193 – Chapin: Palmetto Boy's State – selection of high school junior & senior male students to attend a one-week mock government program at Anderson College

• Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC: Supplies for SELECT and Early Intervention Events in the Chapin Community - supports parents of children with vision loss

• Boys Farm, Inc.: Adventures in Academics - helps at-risk youth improve grades and build confidence through intensive tutoring and learning coach support

• Chapin Beautification Foundation: Carolina Fence Garden at Chapin Chamber of Commerce - a Carolina Fence Garden will be installed on the west side of the Chapin Chamber of Commerce building

• Chapin High School Navy JROTC Booster Club: The Gorge Zipline Adventure Field Trip - cadets will participate in a field trip to The Gorge Zipline Adventure

• Chapin We Care Center: Mobile Pantry - addresses hunger by providing food distribution at its Chapin location and weekly mobile sites

• Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas: Greater Chapin Childhood Cancer Safety Net - provides immediate, ongoing support including care coordination and financial assistance to children with cancer until age 21

• Crooked Creek Art League: Upgrade Office Technology – improving hardware, website and communication technology  

• Fidelis Family Retreat Inc: Healing Rhythms: Community Drumming for Veteran Families – will provide group drumming and music classes for veterans, youth, and seniors in Greater Chapin

• Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands: Expanding Access to Girl Scouts in the Chapin Area - empowers 150+ Chapin-area girls through STEM, leadership, outdoor, and life skills programs

• Good Samaritan Clinic: Supporting the Mission – Chapin’s Community Connection and Volunteer Coordinator - will hire a Volunteer Coordinator to lead volunteers in providing free, comprehensive health care and health education

• GOoD Works: Critical Home Repairs for a Little Mountain Family - will replace a Little Mountain family’s bathroom fixture and flooring to improve safety and usability

• Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission: Senior Meals on Wheels Program - provides seniors with meals, transportation, and wellness programs helping them live independently

• Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina: Preparing Students in Chapin for Financial and Career Success - will provide around 53 Chapin students with learning experiences in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career skills

• Justin Pepper House: Replacement and Upgrades – Windows, attic insulation, crawl space, French drain, and sump pump for their transition home

• Keep the Midlands Beautiful: Green Step Schools - engages two Chapin schools in the statewide Green Step Schools initiatives with hands-on litter prevention, recycling, reuse, and composting projects

• Lake Murray Power Squadron: Dock improvements – Dock repair for America’s Boating Club of Lake Murray (ABC Lake Murray) for boating safety & support of emergency services

• Lowcountry Orphan Relief – Midlands Orphan Relief: Care Kits for Foster Children in Greater Chapin SC - provides Care Kits with clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies

• Palmetto Conservation Foundation: Cycling Enhancements on Palmetto Trail's Pending Lake Murray Passage - will add a bike repair station in Greater Chapin on the Palmetto Trail

• Palmetto Foundation for Prevention and Recovery: Palmetto Foundation Youth Substance Use Prevention - guides at-risk youth from elementary through high school with mentorship, sports programs, and apprenticeships

• Rotary Club of Chapin Sunrise: Snack Packs – Weekend Snack Packs for youth at four elementary, middle, and high schools in Chapin  

• SC THRIVE: Students in Action at Spring Hill High School - empowers Spring Hill High students through civic engagement and leadership development

• Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics: The Nest - Continued upgrades to The Nest, athletic fields serving residents of all ages and abilities

• Shelter Volunteer Network, Inc.: Pet Taxi Replacement to ensure safe transportation for animals to/from surgery and in preparation for adoption

• Team Landolph: Fueling Student-Led Community Impact Solutions - Chapin Elementary and Chapin Intermediate students will lead Impact Team projects that expand outdoor classrooms, support wildlife, and foster community connection

• The Period Project: Cycle of Dignity: Alleviating Period Poverty in Greater Chapin - provides “period packs” containing menstrual hygiene products to Greater Chapin students and vulnerable community members

Funded by and for residents of Chapin, Ballentine, White Rock, Peak, Prosperity, and surrounding communities, Greater Chapin Community Foundation is a permanent endowment dedicated to strengthening the region through philanthropy. Grant applications open each September to invest in local organizations and initiatives that enhance quality of life both now and for future generations.

All grantees must serve the Greater Chapin area, including Ballentine, Chapin, Little Mountain, Peak, Prosperity, and White Rock. Events like the annual Groundhog Ball being held on February 6, 2026 at The Cotton Press in Little Mountain, make these grants possible. 

Community members can support local philanthropy in the Greater Chapin area by making a donation. Donations directly improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater Chapin area.

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Columbia, S.C. - Jan. 7, 2026 - More than 200 scholarship opportunities are now open and available through a single application with Central Carolina Community Foundation for students pursuing higher education during the 2026–2027 academic year. Beginning in early January and continuing through March 5, Central Carolina Community Foundation invites high school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school to apply. With just one comprehensive application, students are automatically matched to the scholarships for which they qualify, simplifying the process and ensuring access to the widest range of opportunities.

“The scholarships that are made possible by our generous donors transform the lives of the students who receive them,” said Amber Westbrook, Program Officer who leads the scholarship portfolio at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “Meeting our scholarship recipients and hearing their stories is so inspiring. So many have shared that the opportunity to attend school would have been impossible without this help, and their scholarship is a motivation to keep learning and dreaming.”

Reaching students across 11 counties in the Midlands, the Foundation’s scholarship program strengthens communities by helping more students pursue and complete their educational goals. The program connects donor passion with student ambition, ensuring that opportunities are available to learners at every stage of their academic journey. Last year, more than $699,000 in scholarships was awarded to 204 students.

Applicants can explore detailed scholarship criteria, review FAQs, and access the online application by visiting YourFoundation.org. Students are encouraged to apply early to allow time to prepare materials such as transcripts, recommendations, and personal statements.

Donors interested in establishing a scholarship fund can also learn more at YourFoundation.org.

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Columbia, S.C. - Sept. 30, 2025 - This year, the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation has awarded $120,000 ($30,000 each) to four organizations that develop future teachers and foster literacy among students, nurture life skills in youth, open doors for children to experience the power of jazz, and support flood recovery efforts.

Founded in 2000 by band members Darius Rucker, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Dean Felber, and Mark Bryan, the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation has awarded over $4.36 million in financial support to South Carolina nonprofits and public schools.

This year’s Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation grant recipients are:

• Crosswell Home for Children’s Independent Living Skills program (Sumter County, SC): Expanding its Independent Living Skills program to help youth who are in or transitioning out of the foster care or child welfare system. A new part-time coordinator will lead classes in financial literacy, cooking, and job readiness, giving participants the confidence and tools to thrive as independent adults.

• Clemson University’s Call Me MiSTER program (Pickens County, SC): Strengthening Camp iRock, a literacy-focused summer initiative where pre-service teachers join seasoned educators to help struggling elementary students improve their reading skills—while also receiving mentorship themselves.

• Charleston Jazz program expansion (Charleston County, SC): Expanding access to jazz education through combo classes, school performances, and interactive programs such as Jazz Day for Kids, enriching arts education in communities that need it most.

• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund (Buncombe County, NC): Supporting ongoing flood recovery in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

“What began as a dream to give back has grown into a lasting legacy,” said Georgia Mjartan, President & CEO at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “By working with the Community Foundation, the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation ensures that their giving is strategic, responsive, and continues to strengthen communities across the Carolinas.”

"We are part of a large family of donors who, like us, believe in one important principle: when we lift up those in need within our community and state, the entire state benefits,” said Jim “Soni” Sonefeld. “We are incredibly proud to be part of this wonderful mindset and opportunity."

The Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation’s endowed donor-advised fund is held at Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Midlands’ local center for philanthropy. The Community Foundation manages grant requests, administration, evaluation, outreach, and distribution on behalf of the band.

For more information, visit yourfoundation.org/hootie-the-blowfish-foundation/.

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Columbia, S.C. - Sept. 4, 2025 - The Midlands came together during Central Carolina Community Foundation’s fifth annual celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, raising $54,293, including prizes, for 132 nonprofits through MidlandsGives.org. Throughout August, 368 donors gave a total of 484 donations providing support for nonprofit organizations that strengthen and uplift our community.

Black Philanthropy Month highlights the impact of collective giving and celebrates the generosity that helps sustain nonprofits serving the Midlands, including many focused on supporting Black communities. Momentum was boosted by generous support from the Foundation’s In Good Company partners – Optus Bank and First Citizens Bank, and the African American Philanthropy Committee – who together awarded a total of $13,000 in prizes to help donations go even further. To see a complete list of prize winners, visit MidlandsGives.org.

“Black Philanthropy Month gives us a powerful reminder of the lasting impact we can create, especially when we focus on uplifting the nonprofits doing essential work across our region,” said Dr. Nancy Tolson, Chair of the African American Philanthropy Committee at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “That spirit of generosity continues well beyond August. Giving is something we can choose to do year-round, and each of us has a role in supporting the causes making a difference in our community.”

Community members are encouraged to continue giving year-round by visiting MidlandsGives.org to support nonprofits across the Midlands. Whether you give once a year or establish a recurring donation, your generosity helps build a vibrant and engaged community.

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Columbia, S.C. - July 31, 2025 - Central Carolina Community Foundation is celebrating Black Philanthropy Month and inviting everyone to support the nonprofits of their choice through MidlandsGives.org— including 200 that benefit Black communities.

Black Philanthropy Month happens every August and is a time to honor the spirit of giving and to recognize how donors and nonprofits help make our communities stronger.

“This month is about honoring the many ways people give back — through time, talent, and treasure,” said Georgia Mjartan, President and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. “We’re proud to celebrate Black philanthropists in the Midlands and the tremendous contributions of the many Black-led and Black-benefitting nonprofits in our community.”

This year, thanks to support from the Foundation’s In Good Company partners — First Citizens Bank, Optus Bank, and the African American Philanthropy Committee — prize incentives will help make donations go even further.

“We believe in the consciousness and empowerment of giving — that when people of all backgrounds come together in generosity, our communities thrive,” said Dr. Nancy Tolson, Chair of the African American Philanthropy Committee at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “Black Philanthropy Month gives us a powerful reminder of the lasting impact we can create, especially when we focus on uplifting the nonprofits doing essential work across our region.”

Another way to give is by creating a charitable fund through the Foundation. These funds help donors make a bigger impact with support from the Foundation’s team. Whether you care about education, the arts, the environment, or another cause, a fund is a smart way to give with purpose and create lasting change in the Midlands and beyond.

Here’s How to Get Involved:

• Give Today: Visit MidlandsGives.org to support the nonprofit of your choice — including 200 nonprofits that benefit the Black community.

• Start a Fund: Establish a charitable fund at YourFoundation.org to make your giving more strategic, impactful, and tailored to your values.

• Follow the Stories: Follow Central Carolina Community Foundation on social media this August to learn about local donors, nonprofit leaders, and the power of giving.

• Spread the Word: Use the hashtag #BlackPhilanthropyMonth to share why you give and inspire others to join in.

Every act of generosity — big or small — helps build a vibrant and engaged community.

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Columbia, S.C. - April 1, 2025 - The spirit of community and generosity is in full swing! Early giving for Midlands Gives Day, a powerful initiative by Central Carolina Community Foundation, starts today, April 1st, and continues through the highly anticipated giving event on May 6th. This early giving period is a game-changer for local nonprofits, giving donors the opportunity to make an impact before the main event. Every donation made now can help nonprofits qualify for sponsorship prizes, increasing the power of every dollar given!

Midlands Gives Day is a dynamic, community-driven event that brings together over 600 nonprofit organizations serving 11 counties in the Midlands region: Calhoun, Clarendon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, and Sumter. Donors can visit MidlandsGives.org to explore causes close to their hearts and contribute directly to organizations making a difference.

In 2024, the generosity of Midlands donors was astounding, with over $4 million raised and over $1 million donated during the early giving period alone! This year, Central Carolina Community Foundation is calling on the community to make an even bigger impact by donating early and often.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! As we build momentum towards Midlands Gives Day, the celebration of giving reaches its peak on May 6th with a day dedicated to supporting local nonprofits —an opportunity to support local organizations online at MidlandsGives.org from 6 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

To bring the community together, the Foundation is hosting a Midlands Gives Block Party at Segra Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 6 – rain or shine! Attendees will enjoy a fun-filled time with games, complimentary hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks. Plus, donors who show they’ve given during Midlands Gives Day will be entered to win special prizes and can play games to earn dollars for their charity of choice, making every donation even more rewarding!

“Midlands Gives Day is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a movement that unites our community with a shared purpose,” says Georgia Mjartan, CEO & President at Central Carolina Community Foundation. “Every act of generosity, no matter the size, has the power to create lasting change and uplift lives across the Midlands.”

Join the movement today and be part of something bigger! Visit MidlandsGives.org to make an early gift, and mark your calendars for an unforgettable Midlands Gives Day celebration on May 6th!

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